Today's consultaiton confirmed that ministers are still "considering" the latte levy on takeaway coffee cups.

Around 12million tonnes of plastic enters the oceans every year.

A 5p tax on plastic bags led to a huge 85 per cent decrease in the number of single-use bags being issued at supermarkets and shops.

Greenpeace UK senior political adviser Rebecca Newsom said in response to today's announcement: "The success of the plastic bag charge shows that a smart tax on plastic can work, so it's good to see the Chancellor reconfirm his commitment to look into this.

"The main problem with single-use plastic is that we produce far too much of it in the first place.

"There should be more pressure on supermarkets and food giants to cut down the amount of throwaway plastic they put in circulation, and it should go hand in hand with a UK-wide deposit-return scheme for all drinks containers that can boost collection rates."

Today's Spring Statement also saw a slight uplift in the public finances, in a boost for Britain's economy as we head out of the European Union.